Body discovered during search for two missing off Sunshine Coast
A body found in water off the Sunshine Coast is suspected to be linked to a yacht that washed up on a beach in the region, with a second search under way for a missing fisherman.
Police say they are still working to identify the body, located in the water off Mooloolaba, after the abandoned 12-metre yacht was reported about 8am on Monday.
Superintendent Craig Hawkins told reporters on Monday afternoon that only one person was suspected to have been on board the vessel, on which a US passport was found, though police were not ruling anything out.
"Unfortunately at this stage we have found a male approximately 800 metres off the beach at Maroochydore which we strongly suspect ... is the gentleman off that vessel," he said.
"We know that the vessel is a US vessel ... [and] we are drawing some conclusions at this stage that the male that's been located in the water has come off this particular boat."
Police were working with the US Consulate on the matter, while searches continue with help from Surf Life Saving Queensland.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to located a fisherman believed to have fallen from a trawler 80 kilometres off the coast.
Police were alerted to the incident about 3.45am on Monday, sparking an extensive air and sea search.
"The information we have at the moment is that he has gone overboard, in particularly rough seas," Superintendent Hawkins said.
The trawler is believed to have turned back to find the man after he fell, with the skipper spotting him before a "large wave" passed.
Some equipment was also thrown overboard in an effort to help the man and mark the location.
A fixed-wing plane, helicopter, water police and a number of trawlers working in the area were taking part in the search, Superintendent Hawkins said.
"At this stage we certainly are hopeful we will find him."